Expandable Vertebral Implant With Interdigitating Locking Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vertebral implants face challenges in achieving a precise fit and ease of insertion due to small clearances during spinal surgery, and they often require complex instrumentation and varied anatomical considerations.
Innovation Solution
An expandable prosthetic implant with interdigitating members and a locking mechanism, allowing for adjustable expansion and contraction using a distractor instrument, and a ring for securing the members, facilitating easy insertion and optimal fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If an expandable prosthetic device is used to replace the vertebral body, then the fit to the cavity can be optimized and immediate load bearing is allowed, but the device complexity increases due to the need for expandable mechanisms and locking systems
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into multiple segments including a body portion and one or more expandable wing portions that can be independently positioned and expanded to fit the vertebral cavity contours
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable wing portions are nested within the body portion in a compressed state for insertion, then expanded outward to engage the vertebral cavity walls, allowing compact insertion followed by in-situ expansion
2Adaptability or versatility
If the implant is designed to accommodate various surgical approaches and anatomical structures, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for versatile positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The implant design incorporates universal features including the expandable wing portions that can adapt to different vertebral cavity geometries, and the locking mechanism that can secure the implant in various positions regardless of surgical approach
Solution Approach 2:
The implant transitions from a compressed mobile state during insertion to an expanded locked state after positioning, allowing dynamic adaptation to different anatomical structures and surgical approaches
3Manufacturing precision
If the clearances around the prosthetic during insertion are small, then the precision of placement is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to limited space for manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is pre-compressed to a compact size before insertion, allowing it to pass through small clearances and narrow surgical corridors, then expanded in situ after proper positioning is achieved
Data Source
AI summary
An expandable prosthetic implant for engagement between vertebrae includes a first member having a first end, a second end, a plurality of extensions and a hollow interior portion extending from the first end to the second end, wherein the plurality of extensions extend from the first end to the second end. A second member includes a first end, a second end, a hollow interior portion extending from the first end to the second end, and a plurality of extensions extending from the second end to the first end. The plurality extensions of the first member are configured to coaxially interdigitate with the second member, and the plurality of extensions of the second member are configured to coaxially interdigitate with the first member. The first member of the implant is moveable relative to the second member along a longitudinal axis.